PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9082, 16 June 1888, Page 6

PARLIAMENT.

_ ♦■ [BY TELEOKAFH.— PBBSS ASSOCIATION.) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday. The Speaker took his seat, ab 2.30. PETITION*. Dr. Pollen presented a petition from fruitgrowers ab the Thames, praying that the Codlin Moth Bill may not become law. THE PROPOSED ADJOURNMENT. Sir G. Whitmore, in moving "That this Council at its rising do adjourn for fourteen days," said he was of opinion the debate on the tariff in another place would have extended over next week, and he thought ifc would bo as well to adjourn. Since then, however, the debate had concluded, and he would now leave himself in the hands of the Council, and would withdraw the

motion if so desired. The Speaker reminded Sir G. Whitmore that he was quito out of order in making reference to debates in another place. Sir G. Whitmore replied that it was customnry to do so in no-confidence debates, and challenged the Speaker's ruling. _ The Speaker intimated that he did not intend to enter into any explanation on the subject, but repeated that tho hon. member was quite out of order. Sir G. Whitmore then obtained leave to withdraw his motion. THE HOWORARIUM QUESTION. Mr. Mantsll moved, "That the following letter laid on the table on the 13th instant in connection with the Parliamentary Honorarium and Privileges Act, ISS7, be printed :—Letter of the Hon. Colonial Treasurer to the Speaker, 10th January. ISSS ; letter of the Speaker to the Treasurer, 12th January, 1888} letter of the Treasurer to Mr. Buckley, Mr. Hart, Mr. Martin, and Mr. Pharazyn, Ist February, isss. Sir F. Wiutaker did not. think any fjood would result by having the letters printed; on the contrary, it would only rouse up an old and objectionable subject

ugain, and place on record a quantity of unpleasant facts. He hoped the motion would be rejec f «d. Mr. Wilson did not sec why Mr. Manteil hhould interfere in the matter, because lie was not interested in one way or the Other. Mr. Buckley hoped the correspondence ■would bo printed, because the public press of the colony had published several reports bearing on the subject, and he considered it was only due to the gentlemen referred to that the letters should be printed The motion was ultimately agreed to on the voices. The letters >.n reply from the four honmembers mentioned were also ordered to be printed. THE CODUN MOTH IULL. Mr. McLkan, continuing the adjourned debate on the second reading of the Codlin Moth Bill, thought that the Bill should be dropped for the present session, as it seemed obnoxious throughout the country. Mr. Shkphard, in criticising the various clauses of the Bill, expressed an opinion that the measure would be found to be unworkable, and would place unnecessary penalties on fruitgrowers. Mr. Stevens hoped the Bill would be allowed to go into committee, when he ■would move that it should be referred to a eelect committee. Mr. Johnston was rather doubtful if the codlin moth did really exist in New Zealand. He thought with several large fruitgrowers that the insect was probably one indigenous to tho colon/. Captain Morris hoped the Bill would bo committed and referred to a select committee. The question was then put that the words proposed to be omitted stand part of the question:—Ayes, 10; noes, 15. Ayes: Baillie, Barnicoat, Holmes, Johnson, Kenny, Morris, Stevens, Swanson, Waterhouse. Noes: Brett, Buckley, Dignan, Fraser, Mnntell, Martin, McLean, Miller, rharazyn, Pollen, Richmond, Shephard, Shrimski, Whitmore, Wilson. Dr. Pollen's amendment, that the Bill be

read that day six months, was consequently carried, and the Bill thrown out. LOCAL BILLS. The adjourned deba.te was resumed upon the question that, it ba an instruction to the Local Bills Committee, to whom any local Bill promoted by the Government, of which notice has not been given, i 3 referred, to consider the circumstances connected with the Bill, and if they are of opinion that there are special reasons why such notice should have been given, they shall report such opinion and the grounds thereof to the Council, but if they are of opinion that there are no special reasons why such notice should have been given, they shall proceed to examine, consider, and report fully on the Bill to the Council. The motion was agreed to. ADMINISTRATION BILL. The Administration Act Amendment Bill was further considered in committee, and reported with amendments. The .Council rose at five p.m. till Tuesday. HOUSE OF REPPvESENTATIVES, Friday. The House met at half-past two p.m. THE CHINESE CONFERENCE. Mr. Seddon asked, without notice, who ivas responsible for the order of the House respecting this colony being represented at the Chinese Conference not being given effect to ? Sir H. Atkinson said if notice were given of the question he should reply to it. The matter wa3 not urgent. Mr. Seddon then gave notice of the question. THE CHINESE BILL. Sir G. Grey asked when the Premier would give the House an opportunity of discussing the amendments made in the Chinese Immigrants Bill by the Legislative Council ? Sir H. Atkinson said he was in the: hands of tho House, but he was of opinion that the House desired to go on with the Customs Duties Bill. Sir G. Grey suggested it be taken that evening, but made no motion on the subject. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Leave of absence was granted i;o Mr. Macarthur for a week, on account of illness. JOSHUA JONES' CASE. Replying to Mr. TcRNBULL, Mr. MiTCHELSON said that ex-Judge Davy, Colonel Roberts, and a native assessor, ■would be appointed to inquire into Joahua Jones' claim to land at Mokau. A lengthy discussion ensued on the motion for the adjournment of the House, on the personnel of the commission. Mr. Seddon asked whether Colonel Roberts and Mr. Jones had not formerly come into conflict, on certain questions ? Sir H. Atkinson was not aware that they had had any dispute. Mr. MiTCHELSON defended the appointment, and said there was no reason whatever why an opportunity should be given to the House to review t;he appointment of fche commission.

Mr. Samuel also defended the proposed commissioners, and sail they were qualified in every way to perform the duties required of them. Mr. Fish thought it was time Jones' claim was disposed of one way or other, as it had been before the House since 1881. Mr. Hamlix entered fully into the whole case, and urged that justice should be dealt out to Jones. He strongly condemned the action of the Chief Judge of the Native Lands Court;, and said he had given decisions which overruled Acts of Parliament, and which the AttorneyGeneral had declared were wrong-, and not according to law. Mr. Marchaa'T said that so far* from the sresent5 resent Premier having any bias against ones, as was alleged oy some hon. members, he (the Premier) on the contrary had exerted his influence on behalf of Jones' claim. He hoped the House would not attempt to pub any undue pressure on the Government over this matter. Mr. HiiiLOP said the Government were ■willing to give every facility for proving ■whether Jones or other parties were right as regards the title to this land. Hβ deprecated statements being made by members of the House reflecting on public officers, and said that it was the duty of those hon. gentlemen to inform the Government if they considered any public officer was unfit for his duty. Sir H, Atkinson challenged Mr. Hamlin to put frs accusations against the Chief Judge of. the Native Land Court into ■writing, in order that the Government might inquire into the matter He was bound to defend a public officer, and he was also bound to ask a member of Parliament ■who had made such charges to substantiate them. He (the Premier) said that Jones came to him before he went to Mokau, and

he advised him against going there on the ground that he would never settle the country from the Taranaki end. Hβ persisted to go, however, but was never able to get his title. The natives assort boldly that a large number of signatures to the title had been obtained wrongly, and they alleged that they had not sold the lands at all. Jones had declared to him (the Premier) that nothing bub a Parliamentary enquiry would satisfy him, and he declined to give it. He had always been in favour of helping Jones, ae he considered it would be the means of getting the Mokau open for settlement. What the Government asked for now was to get a commission to investigate the whole matter. The motion for adjournment was lost, and the House rose at 5.30 p.m. The House resumed ab half-pasb seven p.m. IN COMMITTEE. The Customs Duties Bill was further considered in Committee.

Clause 4 : Primage duty of 1 per cent, on all goods, wares, and merchandise imported into the colony. The words " fair market value thereof" were struck out, and " true and real value thereof" inserted. The remaining portion of the clause passed without alteration. A new clause was added providing that every pack of playing cards made in the colony shall be stamped as the Commissioner may direct, and any person who sells, uses, or has possession of any pack of cards so made and not stamped shall bo liable to a penalty not exceeding £50 ; that such penalty shall not be imposed for cards prior to the passing of this Act. Another "new clause was added, to the effect that, whenever it shall be proved to the satisfaction of the collector that dutypaid materials have been used in the construction of machinery of any kind exempted from Customs duty, it shall be lawful for the collector to grant to the maker of such machinery a refund of the duty other than the primage duty paid on the materials so used. A further new clause was proposed providing that, in caso of tho collector being satisfied that any grain mill, or mill for the manufacture of textile fabrics, was in course of erection prior to the 30th May last, then, on the arrival of the machinery for such mill in tho colony, it shall be lawful for the Governor to order that ifc be admitted free of duty, except primage duty. A discussion ensued, during which Mr. Bruce and other members suggested that sawmilling machinery should do added to the clause. Mr. Fish moved that the clause be struck out. Mr. TANNER moved a further amendment, "That all machinery ordered prior to the 30.h May be free." Sir H. Atkinson said he should insert that in the proper place. The amendment was withdrawn. Mr. Grimmond moved to include sawmills in the clause. Dr. FiTCKETT suggested that a proviso be added to the clause: that the machinery must be delivered in the colony within six months. Mr. Menteath asked what loss to revenue would occur if this clause were passed ? Sir H. Atkinson* said he could not say. He only knew of one case at present, which was one of special hardship.

Mr. Grimmond's amendment was lost by 57 to '23. Dr Fitchett's proviso was carried on the voices, and the clauso as amended was agreed to. The schedule was then considered. Sir H. Atkinson asked the Chairman whether ho could postpone any of the items in committee. The Chairman ruled that they could not be postponed. If any alteration were required the Bill would have to be recommitted. Sir H. Atkinson said he should in that case have to ask the House to pass the items as they stood, and he should afterwards re-commit the Bill for the alterations he would propose. Acid (acetic), 3d per lb. Sir H. Atkinson moved to reduce this to Hd. Agreed to. In the item, "aerated and mineral waters, 20 per cent, ad valorem,"' the words "and effervescing beverages " were added. "Apparel and ready-made clothing and all articles made up wholly or in part from silk, cotton, linen, or wool, 25 per cent, ad valorem." Mr. Samuel moved to reduce this item to 15 per cent. Mr. Seddon moved to strike out from this item the words " cotton and linen." Sir H. Atkinson hoped the committee would pass the item as it stood. Mr. Reeves (St. Albans) suggested that silks should be pub at a higher rate. Mr. Beetham moved to strike out the word "silks." Sir H. Atkinson pointed out that this was a revenue tariff, but he did not want to raise the duty on silk too high, or he should not get revenue. He was surprised at his Freetrade friends objecting to such a duty. Considerable discussion ensued.

The Premier eventually said he could not agree to the reduction of duty on this item, as it would disturb the whole of the tariff. He should consider, however, the advisability of dealing with silk separately. Mr. Beetuam then withdrew his amendment for striking out the word "silks." Mr. Seddon's amendment to strike out cotton and linen was lost by 48 to 30. Mr. Tajjner's amendment to reduce the duty to 15 per cent, was then put, and lost by 44 to 31. Apples, dried, Id per lb. Struck out. Bacon and hams, 2d per lb. Mr. Mackenzie (Clutha) moved that this be struck out, but afterwards withdrew it, and the item passed. Beef, sailed, 20 per cent, ad valorem. Sir H. Atkinson moved to strike this out. Agreed to. Blankets, 20 per cent. Mr. Peacock hoped this would be withdrawn. The item passed. Boilers, land and marine, '20 per cent, ad valorem. Mr. SEDDON'moved to add, "Not required for mining purposes." Lost, and item passed. Boots, shoes, slippers, etc., 20 per cent, ad valorem. Dr. Hodokinson moved to reduce this to 15 per cent. Mr. Moss asked the Premier whether he could not put a duty on those articles at per dozen ? Sir H. Atkinson said he was quite clear at present that an ad valorem duty was the

best. He should, however, give the matter further consideration. Amendment lost by 48 to 26, and item passed. Butter, 20 per cent. Struck out on the Premier's motion, as it would be included under the general heading of provisions. Candied and drained peel, 3d per lb. Sir H. Atkinson would ask the committee to pass this item now, and he should reconsider it later on. Agreed to. Candles, 2d per lb. Mr. Andkkson moved to reduce this item to one penny. Lost, and item passed. Carriages, carts, waggons, perambulators, and wheels for same, 20 per cent, ad valorem. Mr. Pkrckval suggested a heavier tax on carriages. After some discussion the Premier agreed to hold the item over for further consideration, and it was therefore struck out. Chaff-cutters, corn-crushers, and cornshellers, 20 per cent, ad valorem. Mr. Anderson moved to reduce this duty to 10 per cent. Lost by 44 to 31, and item passed. Cheese, 20 per cent. Struck out.

Clocks, 15 per cent. Mr. Perceval hoped this item would be held over. He intended moving to reduce the duty on salt and other things, and this item, together with plated goods generally, would be a good thing to make revenue. The Premier, feaid he. should look through the tariff again, and keep these suggestions in view. Item passed. Cotton, linen, silk, and other textile goods, 20 per cent., ad valorem. Sir H. Atkinson asked the committee to pass this item, and he should afterwards bring them a re-arrangement, which would leave cotton and silk separated. This was done. Crab winches, cranes, capstans, and windlasses 20 per cent ad valorem. Mr. Menteath moved that this item be struck out. Mr. Seddon also protested against the item as being against) the mining industry.

Mr. Fish took exception to selfishness of some hon. members who were quite willing that everybody else should be taxed so long as their own particular locality was excepted. The amendment was negatived, and the item passed. Drapery, made up, 25 per cent. Mr. *Barron moved that this item be struck out, but withdrew it on the Premier's suggestion that the item could be considered afterwards. Earthenware, stoneware, and brownware, 20 per cent, ad valorem. Mr. Barron moved that this be struck out. Lost by 46 to 19. Item passed. Engravings and prints, 15 per cent. Item struck out. Firo engines and hose (nob otherwise enumerated), 20 per cent. Mr. Mentkath moved to strike out this item. Sir H. Atkinson accepted this, and said he proposed to put fire-engines of all sorts on the free list. Item struck out. Fruit (fresh)—namoly, apples, pears, &c, £d per lb. Sir H. Atkinson asked tho committeo not to discuss this item now, us he proposed to further consider it. Item passed. Furniture' and cabinetware, 25 per cent, ad valorem. Dr. Hodokinson moved to reduce this to li) per cent. The Premier movod to insert after cabinetware "not otherwise enumerated, and other than iron." Agreed to. Dr. Hodgkinson's amendment was lost, and the item passed. Sir H. Atkinson moved to report progress. Agreed to. The House rose at twenty-five minutes to one a.m.